Wednesday, September 14, 2011

How much oil does a 1.9L 4-cyl engine require to be safely lubricated?

When I took my car for an oil change, the mechanics said that no oil was visible on the stick and that only half of a quart was drained from the motor/oil pan. The engine still sounds fine and runs great, and at a glance, does not seem to have any audible lifter or rocker arm problems. Is it likely that damage was caused? How much oil is really needed to safely lubricate a 1.9L engine?

Note: I am not ignorant of mechanics or a careless individual. I am aware that the car was being driven under undesirable circumstances. The car was leaking oil faster than realized. What's done is done, and it won't hpapen again, but I'm still curious for the sake of argument.How much oil does a 1.9L 4-cyl engine require to be safely lubricated?A) they do not actually measure the oil as it drains and less than two quarts of oil will drain out in no time.

B) the engine will operate normally when it is 2 quarts low - or just off the bottom of the stick.

C) at some point between 2 and 3 quarts low it will actually draw air instead of oil and it will lose oil pressure rapidly and engine damage will result.

Get in the habit of checking the oil every time you fill the gas tank.

If it is leaking externally fast enough to make a puddle under the engine overnight the cost of oil will warrant the cost of repair, if it is not leaking, then it is burning the oil and if that is the case you can reduce the rate of consumption by using a heavier grade of oil like a 20W-40 or by blending 10W-30 with straight 30HD oil 50/50.How much oil does a 1.9L 4-cyl engine require to be safely lubricated?4 and a half quarts